During the first few years of life, it is more effective for a child to hear a small number of musical recordings repeated frequently than to hear a large number of recordings repeated less frequently. By letting your child listen to one short piece of music many times, s/he will be able to internalize the subtle nuances of that piece and thoroughly absorb the musical language. The following is one example of an effective music listening plan:

1.

First, choose a recording - we’ll call it “Piece A” - that exemplifies fine tone, rhythm and musical nuance (e.g. Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1, 3rd movement performed by Midori, track 3). Enjoy listening to it several times each day with your child. Play it in the background during household activities like playtime, feeding, and napping. Have fun with it – dance, clap with the beat, etc. Over time, you will notice signs that your child has memorized the music and taken ownership of the piece.

Three months later: At this point, you and your child have been listening to Piece A for nine months. Your child has thoroughly internalized the tone, rhythm, and musical nuance of this piece. Now, his or her ownership of Piece A can be maintained through less frequent listening. So, add Piece D (e.g. Ysaye, Rêve D'Enfant on the Midori Encore recording track 28) in its place.

Continue this pattern. Add a new piece about every three months. Listen to and interact creatively with the most recent three pieces often while maintaining familiarity with the older pieces. In this way, your child will develop a deep level of musical sensitivity.

5.

Recommended violin recordings: Any of the Suzuki Violin recordings and any recording by Midori, Anne-Sophie Mutter, or Maxim Vengerov